The company said it benefited in the fourth quarter from a lower than expected effective tax rate, which fell to 27.7 per cent from 30.9 per cent a year earlier.

The company forecast more growth for 2014, with earnings per share in the $US5.20-5.40 range compared to $US5.02 last year.

"Walmart is operating in markets that offer continued opportunity for growth, both in our stores and online," said chief executive Mike Duke.

"With our core Walmart US business operating so well, our investments in e-commerce and our international markets focused on growth and improving returns, we are truly the best positioned global retailer," Duke said.

"Fiscal year 2013 was the first year of our five-year plan to reduce operating expenses as a percentage of sales by at least 100 basis points," said chief financial officer Charles Holley.

"We made progress toward our five-year goal, reducing expenses for the year by 14 basis points. Walmart US led this effort."